Shvil, N. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

The Sniffbot: A biohybrid robot for active sensing-based odor localization and discrimination

The detection, identification and localization of volatile compounds are of critical importance for various applications, ranging from gas leak detection to drug and explosive sensing. Current technologies--such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and e-noses--are limited by slow analysis, low mobility, and reduced sensitivity and adaptability, making them unsuitable for real-time odor localization in real-world settings. Here, we present Sniffbot: an autonomous, mobile biohybrid robotic sensory system that overcomes these challenges by harnessing the extraordinary olfactory capabilities of the desert locust antenna, an advanced olfactory sensor, that generates odorant-specific electrophysiological responses to numerous odorants. Our Sniffbot platform consists of a compact robotic vehicle onto which we have assembled: (i) a sensing module, comprising a locust antenna and a miniaturized electrophysiology system; (ii) a "sniffing" module, which actively samples air in the environment, creating a timed airflow over the antenna, preventing the antenna from becoming habituated to odorant stimuli; and (iii) a decision-making module that analyzes the sensory input in real time to navigate or identify odors. Sniffbots movements are controlled by an odorant-search algorithm coupled with the sniffing module. This enables Sniffbot to detect and localize odors independently of wind-induced odorant gradients, and thus to be used in challenging windless environments. The Trident, a novel search algorithm, outperforms several commonly used algorithms in localizing the odorant source. We further demonstrate Sniffbots ability to discriminate a target odor among others. Our results demonstrate the potential of augmenting biological sensors with autonomous robotic components for next-generation chemical sensing and environmental monitoring.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2024

Female Moths Incorporate Plant Acoustic Emissions into Their Oviposition Decision

Insects rely on plants visual, chemical, tactile, and electrical cues when making various decisions. A recent study demonstrated that dehydrated plants emit ultrasonic sounds within the auditory sensitivity range of many moth species. In this study, we sought to determine whether insects also rely on plant acoustic signals when making decisions. We investigated whether female moths rely on ultrasonic clicks which are typically produced by dehydrated plants when deciding where to oviposit. In the absence of an actual plant, the moths indeed preferred to lay their eggs in proximity to acoustic signals which represent dehydrating plants. Tracking the moths behavior prior to the decision showed that they examined both sides of the arena and gradually spent more time on the acoustic-playback side. Interestingly, when actual plants were added to the arena, the oviposition preference was reversed and the moths preferred silent plants, which is in accordance with their a-priori preference for hydrated plants. Deafening the moths eliminated their preference, confirming that the choice was based on hearing. Moreover, the presence of male moths including their auditory signals did not affect their oviposition decision, suggesting that the response was specific to plant sound emissions. We reveal evidence for a first acoustic interaction between moths and plants, but as plants emit various sounds, our findings hint to the existence of more currently unknown insect-plant acoustic interactions.

animal behavior and cognition↗